Participate in a research project
High quality research is essential to enable better understanding of autism and to develop improved supports in the future.
Why should you get involved?
Researchers are always looking for participants for their projects – the more participants, the greater the chances of meaningful results that reflect the wide range of issues that autistic people and their families face. So, get involved where you can – it will help improve their knowledge and it may benefit you!
Disclaimer: Autism Queensland aims to support research that promises to inform future directions of services for individuals on the spectrum and their families. Although we screen each project before advertising, we do not necessarily endorse the views, activities or organisations of researchers.
Projects seeking participants
Contact details of all researchers are provided for each of our projects. If you are interested in participating in a study please click on those of the following you believe will be of interest. This list is updated regularly and includes research being undertaken externally and by Autism Queensland.
A study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Investigational Products in an ASD population
Participants Required:
We are looking for young people between 5 and 17 years of age diagnosed with ASD who also experience emotional dysregulation (e.g. easily irritable)
Brief Description of Project:
Research has shown the irritability may be the end result of a complex system of underlying difficulties including anxiety, sleep issues, mood concerns and epilepsy. These difficulties may be linked to serotonergic dysfunction. Investigational Products may modify this serotonergic difficulty thus improving the downstream outcomes noted above.
Benefits to Participants:
We hope that this study will add to the body of literature relating to the impact of Investigational Products on irritability. Furthermore, we hope that participants will benefit from the experience of participating in a clinical trial and understand how medications “come to market” from this process. Participants may also benefit from frequent trial appointments with a multidisciplinary team.
Contact Details:
Contact the CCTRND via 30697532 or [email protected]
Learning about neurodivergent adults’ thoughts on using a self-guided online program for mental health
Participants Required:
We would love to hear from neurodivergent adults (aged 18 and over) who live in Australia to help raise neurodivergent voices and improve care. We are looking for self-diagnosed or officially diagnosed adults who have any of the below neurotypes: Autism, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) including 2e presentations, AuDHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and Dyspraxia.
Brief Description of Project:
We would like neurodivergent adults (aged 18 and over) to complete a short 15–30-minute online survey on their perspectives towards the use of self-guided online programs for mental health. In the online survey you will be asked both closed and open questions and you do not have to answer all questions or give a great amount of detail (unless you want to). These questions will explore your previous experiences and attitudes of using various types of mental health interventions as well as some information about your circumstances. Findings from this study will inform the future development and implementation of these programs with the neurodivergent community, with the hope of improving care and allowing the voices and needs of neurodivergent individuals to be heard.
Benefits to Participants:
Your participation will help improve the mental health support we are able to provide to neurodivergent people and allow them to have a voice about what sort of interventions suit their needs.
Contact Details:
Dr Shelley Viskovich
Principal Investigator
The University of Queensland
[email protected]
Georgia Darr
Co-investigator
The University of Queensland
[email protected]
James Fowler
Co-investigator
The University of Queensland
[email protected]
Parent-coaching program to enhance the wellbeing of young autistic children
Participants Required:
We are seeking parents and carers of young autistic children (aged 3-8 years) who currently live in Australia, who are interested in attending a free, online program. Parents will attend the program for 2 hours per week, for 8 weeks.
Brief Description of Project:
The program was co-developed and co-produced with autistic adults, parents of autistic children, community organisations, and autistic and non-autistic researchers. The program includes eight sessions, and each session focuses on a different aspect of wellbeing that may be important for autistic children. Each session is co-delivered by a psychologist and an autistic adult. This project aims to trial the program and collect feedback from parents about the program.
Benefits to Participants:
Parents will be able to access the eight-week program, including resources, for free. Parents will be asked to also complete questionnaires and interviews with a researcher before and after the program and will be provided with a $50 gift certificate after the final questionnaire and interview to thank them for their time.
Contact Details:
For further information please contact Prof. Dawn Adams and the team at [email protected]
Researchers
If you would like to have your project listed on our site, please click here.
For more information about research at Autism Queensland
P. 07 3273 0000
